Sudbury police say neighbourhood groups like Louis Street vital to reducing crime

Sudbury Police say community groups like the Louis Street Association help reduce crime in neighbourhoods.

That group has been unable to operate over the past few weeks, after it was evicted from its space by Greater Sudbury Housing.

It's unknown why the group was evicted.

The Louis Street Association was created in 2010, out of a community engagement pilot project by Greater Sudbury Police.

Sergeant Randy Hosken, who helped set theproject up,says these neighbourhood groups are vital to police, since they address crime prevention and chronic social disorder issues.

"Anytime a community gets mobilized and partners with the police, and becomes more engaged, I would definitely say it helps with what's going on in that neighbourhood or in that community," he said.

Community groups problem solve

"People take more of an interest in what's going on. They're helping us come up with solutions to chronic issues, they're paying more attention to what's going on in their neighbourhoods."

Since the Louis Street Association was created, Hosken says there's been a steady decline in calls for services to that neighbourhood.

According to police stats from 2010, there were 95 calls for service to Louis Street. These statistics cover police responding to violent andproperty crimes and social disorder.

Hoskensays since then there has been a steady decline,with 35 callsto the same neighbourhoodin 2017.

Despite the reduction, Hosken says police officers still patrol the neighbourhood.

"But because the citizens take more of a role in what's going on in their neighbourhoods, Ithink that helps reduce the frequency that we have to attend," he said.

The reduction in crime can't totally be attributed to the presence of the community group, he said.

"But...it's definitely helpful,"

"We're hopefulthat any community association out there will continue to thrive. I think it benefits the community. It benefits us, as a partner with police and we strive to get more of these community groups up and running," said Hosken.